As a GM, you'll need to record notes about your campaign somewhere.

There are a lot of options, and there's one I recommend. I'll get to that in a minute; let's go through your major choices.

GM Notebook

Some GMs like to use a bound notebook. Often, every page is devoted to a particular aspect of the campaign, like a major NPC or an adventuring location. Runehammer is a good example.

Advantages:

  • Portable.
  • The battery will never drain.
  • Can't crash and lose your data.
  • Greater flexibility of note-taking over a digital device; you can make lists, circle items, draw lines connecting characters and factions, sketch runes and puzzles, etc. all on the same page.
  • Can be quieter in a busy public place than a laptop with a keyboard.

Drawbacks:

  • One extra thing to carry with you (plus a pen/pencil).
  • If you forget to bring it with you, you can't work on it.
  • The accident-prone can stain or even destroy the pages.
  • Hard to share.
  • No backup.

book shelf project 1 ~ striatic notes by hobvias sudoneighm

Generic Cloud Sharing (e.g., Google Docs)

Some GMs prefer a cloud storage service like Google Docs, Microsoft One Note, or Dropbox.

Advantages:

  • Can work on the campaign anywhere you have a device and a net connection.
  • Automatically backed up.
  • Most of these services offer multiple document types, so you can draw a relationship map in addition to taking notes.
  • Supports uploads of inspirational art and maps.
  • Can share specific documents with players.

Drawbacks:

  • Less density of information; harder to integrate text, sketches, connecting lines, etc.
  • Somewhat difficult to organize effectively; notes get buried.
  • Must have a consistent internet connection and an electronic device for access.
  • If you use a lot of storage space, you may have to pay for it.

RPG-Specific Cloud Sharing (e.g., Obsidian Portal)

Some sites are built specifically to support RPG campaigns. Sites like Obsidian Portal, City of Brass, and Roll20 specifically organize your notes in ways that make sense for an RPG.

Advantages:

  • Can work on the campaign anywhere you have a device and a net connection.
  • Automatically backed up.
  • Might be able to upload inspirational art and maps.

Drawbacks:

  • Another UI to learn.
  • Often designed for full sharing of information, so tracking information the players don't know yet can be difficult or impossible.
  • Players often don't want to sign up for yet another service, and if they do, rarely check it.

The RPG Binder

This is what I recommend: a loose-leaf binder.

Advantages:

  • Portable
  • The battery will never drain.
  • Can't crash and lose your data.
  • Greater flexibility of note-taking over a digital device; you can make lists, circle items, draw lines connecting characters and factions, sketch runes and puzzles, etc. all on the same page.
  • Can be quieter in a busy public place than a laptop with a keyboard.
  • Can add or remove pages easily, and add dividers for new sections.
  • Can print and add art and maps
  • Can print and add extra rulesets and character sheets

Drawbacks:

  • One extra thing to carry with you (plus a pen/pencil).
  • If you forget to bring it with you, you can't work on it.
  • The accident-prone can stain or even destroy the pages, though they're easier to replace.

So, yes, every approach has drawbacks. But a loose-leaf binder gives you the largest number of advantages along with the fewest significant drawbacks, for me at least.

Hope this helps!

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